NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Each week this month the Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna’s Security and Emergency Services team focused on a weekly theme to provide emergency preparedness information to the workforce. Today marks the final week of April “PrepareAthon.” All month we highlighted the critical pre-planning and associated mitigation actions to execute emergency action plans for many different hazards. This week we turn our attention to active shooters (active assailants).
It’s not hard to imagine a local media outlet reporting a mass casualty event at an installation resulting in fatalities and injuries. Sadly, such a story is not far-fetched and historical data shows these types of events are unfortunately becoming more commonplace. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, during the 1970s there was an average of 1.1 mass shooting events per year, in the 1980s this number tripled to four per year, and in the 1990s drastically increased to an average of 11.4 per year. In 2020 alone there were 40 reported incidents meeting the FBI’s definition of an active shooter.
Locally, over a twenty-year period there were 21 active shooter events in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Only California, Florida and Texas had higher rates. With such an alarming increase in statistics, the completion of effective active shooter training is more paramount than ever. The following training tips are provided:
RUN-HIDE-FIGHT TRAINING
RUN – If you observe, perceive, or otherwise believe there is a threat, distance yourself from the threat by removing yourself from the area. Assist others if it is safe to do so.
HIDE – If running is not an option, hide out. Silence electronic media and barricade doors if possible.
FIGHT – Only as a last resort, defend yourself.
Procedures for lockdown vs shelter-in-place for an active shooter are highlighted here.
Review your emergency action plan for specific information on responding to an active threat in your building/section. To request in-person active shooter training, contact your local DLA Installation Management Security & Emergency Services team or representative.